Discover Portugal's most famous legends in this expanded and thoroughly revised second edition.Discover
56 remarkable Portuguese legends, including
four brand-new additions, gathered from centuries of Portuguese tradition and presented in one comprehensive volume. Carefully researched and substantially revised, this edition offers English-speaking readers one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese legends available in English.
Whether you are interested in Portugal's history, folklore, mythology or cultural heritage – or simply enjoy discovering stories rarely found outside their country of origin – this book brings together legends that have shaped Portuguese identity for generations.
- Ancient legends that predate the foundation of Portugal, including Ulysses' legendary founding of Lisbon and the tale of Guesto Ansures.
- Stories from the reign of Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king, including the Miracle of Ourique and the conquest of Évora.
- Medieval foundation legends explaining the origins of towns and cities such as Alenquer and Moura.
- Legends surrounding Portugal's kings, from the loyalty of Martim de Freitas to the Magpies of Sintra and the enduring myth of King Sebastião's return.
- Stories connected with the Battle of Aljubarrota, including the Twelve of England and the famous Female Baker of Aljubarrota.
- Legends from the Age of Discoveries and the Portuguese Empire, featuring Machim, the giant Adamastor and the mysterious statue of Corvo Island.
- Religious and supernatural traditions, including the Goat-Footed Ladies, Fuas Roupinho, the Enchanted Moors and the Olharapos.
- Some of Portugal's most beloved historical legends, including the Rooster of Barcelos, the tragic love story of Inês de Castro, the Labours of Saint Engratia, the statue of the Duke of Coimbra and even the modern legend of Teresa Fidalgo.
New to this second edition: seven translated Portuguese primary sources, including the
Juramento de Ourique, the
Nau Catrineta and the
Canção do Figueiral, making these historical texts accessible to English-speaking readers for the first time.
Many of the legends collected here had never been available in English before the publication of the first edition. This expanded second edition builds on that foundation with additional research, improved historical notes and newly translated primary sources, offering readers the most complete version of this collection to date.
Whether you are a traveller, a student, a lover of mythology or simply curious about one of Europe's oldest nations, this book invites you to discover the stories that have shaped Portugal's history, culture and imagination for centuries.
Step into the myths that built a nation. Discover Portugal through its greatest legends.
